GAUSS, Helen W. to Robert Gauss - 1911-08-01
From Gauss and his Children
|
Letter
(To Robert Gauss of Denver, Colo.)
Gebhards Hotel, Goettingen, Germany, 1 August 1911
Dear Cousin Robert:-
Cheer up for today - or the day you get this, rather - if the weather's hot. You look like your ancestor; and considering all that we've seen and heard of him, of late, that should be enough to satisfy any one man. I hope you've long ere this letter arrives, read Associated Press notices of yesterday's dedication. Mamma's done her best in recommending the said reports to their notice, as of interest to some papers in America. at least it was the biggest day of my humble existence, looking before as well as behind, I surmise; and I've come pretty clearly to realize that not much if anybody has a bigger ancestor to look back to. If you haven't already realized the same, come to Germany and find out what the biggest brains over here think of him. I've written several reams on the subject to Papa, and intended to do the same by you, but courage and ink fail me, and I ended by telling him to send his letter on to you. If you can't read it, Uncle Andrew can; and remember that the handwriting was not originally intended for the eyes of cranky old bachelors. Isn't it too bad I didn't know in time, when Herr Gieseke was holding my hand, that a Frau Excellenz was still lacking; I might have used the golden moments to better advantage. the photographs of the new bust, made by the sculptor, Eberlein, for the Gauss-Zimmer in the Tower, were presented to us by Pastor Gieseke, at whose house we supped after the ceremonies and before train-time, with many big bugs and their gnädige Fraus. One for you and one for us, - as is also the copy of the Niedersachsen. Of only postcards have we a sufficient supply for still other members of the family; so appreciate your favoritism. The Gauss family over here is well up to standard; may we do as well by it in America. When I was cool yesterday you'd have been quite proud to hear me conversing with Excellenzes and Herr Geheimrats and Herr Rectors and Herr Ober-Präsidents and Herr Barons in German; and fortunately the day was not too warm; tho' once or twice, when a trifle "erreqt", I suppose you'd have disowned me. If only you'd got the paper (Denver Republican) to send you over! You ought to write up something for them still - and perhaps will, from all the "copy" sent you. I'll tell Papa to send you the Excellenz Gieseke's speech, too, of which he gave us the typewritten copy - tho' hope the newspapers will have them all.
We've been simmering here, but so has everybody else everywhere, apparently. and the cool breezes of today and yesterday, with the thought of Heidelberg tomorrow and the Rhine next, cheer us on. Love to you and Uncle Andrew, and also to Miss Lister and Miss Cummings when you write - and who is this new lady who's inviting both of you to high-toned breakfasts?
Come to Germany before you die and meet a few Herr Professors and such-like! It might prove worth-while. I'm not sure but that I'll come back myself and hunt den hochgrachten Herr Geheimrat Gieseke down! *
As ever your cousin, Helen
The ivy leaves are from the grave.
- This is: "Hunt the highly-honored Mr. Privy-Councillor Gieseke down".
Source
Location of handwritten original unknown. From the Black Book, notes of Anne Durfee Gauss and Minna Gauss Reeves. Transcribed to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, April 29, 2000.
